[Properties of rhythmic discharge by cat motor cortex neurons evoked by a continuous current through their membranes]

The properties of rhythmic discharge of motor cortex neurons evoked by dc depolarizing current through the membrane were studied in acute experiments on immobilized cats. Linear relation between the rate of rhythmic discharge and the strength of current was revealed, the slope of this relation being 18-10.7 imp/s nA. Correlation between input resistance and the slope of the discharge frequency current curve was demonstrated. Two types of adaptation to current were observed: exponential and undamped oscillations. The relation of the latency of the first spike and first interspike interval to current was hyperbolic. The role of dendrites in the observed phenomena is discussed.